One Direction to launch cafe chain as plans for global takeover reach new heights

COFFEE KINGS: One Direction bandmates are moving into the coffee world [PA]

“The cafés will be very child friendly for younger fans and they’re sure to be stocked up with lots of 1D merchandise”

A 1D insider

The coffee shops, which will be decorated with band memorabilia, are intended to become a meeting place for their hysterical fans.

The first one will open this month in Japan, where the group has been a huge hit.

And if it is a success, pop bosses including mentor Simon Cowell, 54, hope to open more in major cities worldwide.

London will be the second destination on the list and it is expected New York, Paris, Berlin and Sydney would follow.

But first music execs want to ensure the launch restaurant in the city of Shibuya goes down a storm when it opens to the public next Tuesday.

Insiders told the Daily Star: “This could become the lads’ version of Planet Hollywood. That chain was backed by stars such as Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarze-negger when it launched in 1991.

“The cafés will be very child friendly for younger fans and they’re sure to be stocked up with lots of 1D merchandise.